Many children confuse the letters b, d, p & q. This stencil is a great way to help them write and learn correct letter formation.

The stencil has pictures of easily recognised objects - a bed, dog, pig and queen - that help the user to find the right shape for the letter they need.

When writing, the user recognises the need for a, say, 'd' for dog sound. By turning over and/or rotating the stencil until the dog picture is showing the right way up, the correct letter is selected via the hole in the middle. The user can then either write the letter unaided by looking at the letter, or place the stencil on the paper and use it to trace the correct letter shape. This strengthens the mental link between the letter sound and the letter shape.

The tool is used in UK primary schools. Users and teachers find it is easy to use, promotes independence in writing and can be used discreetly enough to avoid embarrassment for the user. The words and pictures on the stencil have been chosen as they contain graphemes (letters corresponding to phoneme sounds) which are taught early within all UK phonics schemes.

Designed and made in the UK from recycled nylon.